JP2005176885A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a player from losing his interest in a game during the game. <P>SOLUTION: The pachinko game machine has a specific winning opening 2, a stage 36, a game ball staying area 62, a stopper 71, a main control section and a stopper control section. The specific winning opening 2 is provided in a game area 31. The stage 36 is provided above the specific winning opening 2 of the game area 31 and permits a game ball to temporarily stay. The game ball staying area 62 is partitioned off above the stage 36 of the game area 31 and permits a game ball to stay. The stopper 71 is provided in the lower portion of the game ball staying area 62 and is optionally set in a closed condition that the stopper prevents a game ball from falling from the game ball staying area 62 or an opened condition that the stopper permits a game ball to fall from the game ball staying area 62. The main control section performs a lottery for a big win in accordance with the passage of a game ball to the specific winning opening 2. The stopper control section sets the stopper 71 in a closed condition or an opened condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

  Note that the related prior art recognized by the applicant is not related to the literature known invention, so prior art document information is not described.

  By the way, in the conventional ball game machine, as described above, unless the game ball passes through the specific winning opening, the winning / losing lottery is not executed and the special symbol variation display is not started. That is, if the state where the game ball does not pass through the specific winning opening continues, the winning / abstract lottery and the special symbol change display are not performed during that time, and a very monotonous game state continues for the player. For this reason, the player's interest may be lost during the game.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can prevent a player's interest from being lost.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a ball game machine in which a game ball is launched into a game area of a game board, and includes a specific winning opening, a stage, a game ball staying area, a stopper, and a control means. And comprising. The specific winning opening is provided in the game area. The stage is provided above a specific winning opening in the game area, and allows a temporary stay of game balls. The game ball staying area is defined above the stage of the game area and allows the ball staying. The stopper is provided in the lower part of the game ball staying area, and is selectively set to a closed state that prevents the game ball from dropping from the game ball staying area and an open state that allows the game ball to fall from the game ball staying area. Is done. The control means executes a lottery to determine whether or not a game state advantageous to the player is generated in response to the passing of the game ball to the specific winning opening, and sets the stopper to the closed state or the open state.

  In the above configuration, when the control means sets the stopper in the closed state, the fall of the game ball from the game ball staying area is prevented, so that the game ball that has been launched into the game area and has reached the game ball staying area remains as it is. Accumulate in the retention area. In this state, when the control means sets the stopper to the open state, the game ball falls from the game ball staying area onto the stage and stays there. Then, most of the game balls staying on the stage fall toward the specific winning opening. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening. In addition, when a large number of game balls fall from the game ball staying area onto the stage within a short time, the game balls interfere with each other, the behavior of the game balls staying on the stage settle down, and the game balls fall from the stage. Will slow down. Thus, when the fall speed of the game ball from the stage is slow, the game ball is likely to pass through the specific winning opening as compared with the case where the fall speed is fast.

  Therefore, in a situation where the player's interest may be lost, the control means changes the stopper from the closed state to the open state, thereby increasing the possibility that the game ball will pass the specific winning opening. Accordingly, since the lottery is easily performed, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost.

  The game area may be provided with a specific detection unit that detects the passage or contact of the game ball, and the control means opens the stopper from the closed state in response to the detection or contact of the game ball by the specific detection unit. You may change to the state.

  In the above configuration, when the situation where the game ball does not pass through the specific winning opening continues and the lottery is not continuously executed, the player strikes the specific detection unit and contacts the game ball by the specific detection unit Alternatively, detection can be generated to change the stopper from the closed state to the open state, and to actively generate a state where the game ball easily passes through the specific winning opening.

  The control means may execute a lottery regarding the stopper in accordance with the passage or contact of the game ball by the specific detection unit, and determine a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state based on the result of the lottery.

  In the above configuration, since the opening time of the stopper changes according to the result of the lottery, the player can enjoy a variety of gaming states.

  Further, the stopper in the opened state may be configured to be freely set at a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area is different, and the control means may pass the game ball by the specific detection unit or A lottery regarding the stopper may be executed in response to the contact, and at least one of the time for maintaining the stopper in the open state or the position of the stopper in the open state may be determined based on the result of the lottery.

  In the above configuration, the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area differs depending on the position of the stopper in the open state (open position of the stopper). If the stopper is set at an open position where the game ball is likely to fall, the number of game balls that can be dropped from the game ball staying area per unit time increases, and the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening increases. . On the other hand, if the stopper is set at an open position where it is difficult for the game ball to fall, the number of game balls that can be dropped per unit time is reduced, and the game ball is specified as compared with the case where the number of game balls dropped is large The possibility of passing through the winning opening is reduced. Since one or both of the opening time and the opening position of the stopper change according to the result of the lottery, the player can enjoy a game state that is more varied.

  In addition, an operation input unit that receives an input operation from the player may be further provided, and the control unit may change the stopper from the closed state to the open state according to the input operation from the player to the operation input unit. Good.

  In the above configuration, when the player wants to drop the game ball from the game ball staying area, the player can freely open the stopper by performing an operation input to the operation input unit.

  The control means may execute a lottery regarding the stopper in accordance with an input operation from the player to the operation input unit, and determine a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state based on the lottery result. .

  In the above configuration, since the opening time of the stopper changes according to the result of the lottery, the player can enjoy a variety of gaming states.

  Further, the stopper in the opened state may be configured to be freely settable at a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area is different, and the control means inputs from the player to the operation input unit A lottery regarding the stopper may be executed according to the operation, and at least one of the time for maintaining the stopper in the open state or the position of the stopper in the open state may be determined based on the result of the lottery.

  In the above configuration, one or both of the opening time and the opening position of the stopper change according to the result of the lottery, so that the player can enjoy a game state that is more varied.

  Further, the control means may change the stopper from the closed state to the open state when the lottery for determining whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs is not executed for a predetermined time.

  In the above configuration, when the lottery to determine whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs is not executed for a predetermined time, the stopper is changed from the closed state to the opened state, and the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening becomes high. Accordingly, the lottery is easily executed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the player's interest from being lost due to the fact that the lottery for determining whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs is not continuously executed.

  In addition, the control means determines whether or not a reach effect for informing that an advantageous gaming state may occur is generated based on a lottery result indicating whether or not an advantageous gaming state is generated. When the lottery for determining whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs without being notified of the reach effect is continuously executed a predetermined number of times, the stopper may be changed from the closed state to the opened state. Good.

  In the above configuration, when the lottery for determining whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs without being notified of the reach effect is continuously executed a predetermined number of times, the stopper is changed from the closed state to the opened state, The possibility of passing through the specific winning opening becomes high, and the lottery is easily executed accordingly. Accordingly, the player's interest is reduced due to the fact that the reach effect is never executed even though the lottery for determining whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs is executed many times. It can be surely prevented.

  In addition, the control means suspends execution of a lottery up to a predetermined number of times according to detection of the passage of a game ball to a specific winning opening in the middle of notification of a lottery result whether or not an advantageous gaming state occurs. Alternatively, the time for maintaining the stopper in an open state may be determined based on the number of lottery executions held.

  In the above configuration, for example, when the number of lotteries that are being held (the number of lotteries to be held) is small, there is a margin to the upper limit of the number of lotteries to be held, so the stopper opening time is set to be long. Thereby, possibility that a game ball will pass a specific winning opening will increase, and the player can bring the number of reserved lotteries close to the upper limit. On the other hand, when the number of reserved lotteries is large, there is no room for the upper limit of the number of reserved lotteries, so the stopper opening time is set short. Thereby, the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening is not increased more than necessary, and it is possible to prevent a large number of game balls from passing through the specific winning opening after the upper limit of the number of reserved lotteries is exceeded. Thus, the player can obtain a suitable gaming state by increasing or decreasing the opening time of the stopper according to the number of reserved lotteries.

  Further, the stopper in the opened state may be configured to be freely set at a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area is different, and the control means may cause an advantageous game state to occur. The execution of the lottery according to the detection of the passing of the game ball to the specific winning opening during the lottery of no is held up to a predetermined number of times, and the stopper is released based on the number of the lottery held You may determine at least one of the time to maintain in a state, or the position of the stopper in an open state.

  In the above configuration, one or both of the opening time and the opening position of the stopper are set according to the number of lotteries to be held. For example, when the number of reserved lotteries is small, there is a margin to the upper limit of the number of reserved lotteries, so the stopper opening time is set longer, or the stopper is set at an open position where game balls can easily fall. Thereby, possibility that a game ball will pass a specific winning opening will increase, and the player can bring the number of reserved lotteries close to the upper limit. On the other hand, when the number of lotteries to be held is large, there is no allowance for the upper limit of the number of lotteries to be held, so the stopper opening time is set short or the stopper is set to an open position where the game ball is difficult to fall. As a result, the possibility that the game balls pass through the specific winning opening is not increased more than necessary, and the player is prevented from passing a large number of game balls through the specific winning opening after exceeding the upper limit of the number of reserved lotteries. . As described above, the player can obtain a suitable gaming state by setting one or both of the opening time and the opening position of the stopper according to the number of reserved lotteries.

  In addition, a display unit for notifying the result of the lottery whether or not an advantageous gaming state is generated may be provided above the stage of the game area, and the game ball retention area is arranged close to the display unit. May be.

  In the above configuration, the player can visually recognize the number of staying game balls, the behavior of the stopper, and the like in the game ball staying area while gazing at the display unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost during the game.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the configuration and operation of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This ball game machine is installed in a place such as a game machine installation store, and a player plays a game based on the supply of game balls.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. This is a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game Applicable to those classified as aircraft.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. The gaming machine has an internal structure including a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a transparent plate member 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27. Yes.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9 for allowing the player to release the game balls stored in the ball tray 9 into a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box).

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. In addition, although mentioned later in detail, the sub control apparatus 14 has the symbol control apparatus 14a, the lamp control apparatus 14b, the audio | voice control apparatus 14c, and the payout control apparatus 14d.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a prize area distribution item, an effect, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. A moving object for operation) is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker). 38, specific passage port 46, out port 39, game nail (not shown), windmill 40, specific reservation number display lamp 41, passage reservation number display lamp 42, effect display lamp 43, central structure 60, stopper device 70 Etc. are provided.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. The specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are also included in the predetermined winning port 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 includes an electric movable piece 44 that is disposed substantially below the center of the stage 36 and expands or contracts the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state in which the winning opening is exposed and a closed state in which the winning opening is closed. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passage port 38 and the specific passage port 46 are structures provided with a predetermined number at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having gates that allow the falling game balls to pass therethrough.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail has a plurality of rod shapes that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by making contact with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

  The central structure 60 has a substantially frame shape with a cutout portion at the top, and is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 31. The central structure 60 defines a recessed portion that is recessed to the back side of the surface (hereinafter referred to as a general surface) 31a of the other part of the game area 31, and the screen of the variable display device 34 is formed on the inner surface of the recessed portion. Is arranged. The central structure 60 has the stage 36 in the lower part thereof, and has a pair of left and right ceiling members 61 opposed to each other with a notch portion interposed therebetween. Above the cutout portion and the ceiling member 61, a game ball retention region 62 that is recessed deeper than the general surface 31 a of the game region 31 is provided on the upper surface of the game board 7 and the ceiling member 61 and a stopper 71 described later. It is divided by the upper surface. A central portion on the surface side (the general surface 31 a side of the game area 31) of the game ball retention area 62 is covered with a transparent plate-like cover 63. The game ball staying area 62 has openings 64 that allow the game ball staying area 62 to communicate with the general surface 31 a side of the game area 31 at both left and right ends that are not covered by the cover 63. The opening 64 allows the game ball falling on the general surface 31 a to move to the game ball staying area 62, and the cover 63 prevents the game ball staying in the game ball staying area 62 from falling. Under each opening 64, a transparent guide plate 65 that protrudes from the general surface 31a of the game area 31 and guides the game ball to the opening 64 is provided. The upper surface of the ceiling member 61 is slightly inclined from the opening 64 side toward the center cutout portion, and guides the game ball jumped from the opening 64 to the cutout portion side.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the stopper device 70 includes a pair of (two) stoppers 71 and two stepping motors 72 having a driving shaft 72 a fixed to the base end of each stopper 71 (see FIG. 8). 9 includes only one of them). The stopper 71 is disposed between the ceiling members 61 that are the lower part of the game ball staying area 62 (the cutout part at the upper part of the central structure 60). The base end of each stopper 71 is close to the tip of each ceiling member 61, and the drive shaft 72a of the stepping motor 72 is fixed to this base end. The drive shaft 72 a is inserted through the game board 7, and the stepping motor 72 is fixed to the back side of the game board 7. Due to the rotation of the drive shaft 72a of the stepping motor 72, the stopper 71 rotates around the base end 71a, and is in a closed state (shown in FIG. 10A) or an open state (FIGS. 10B and 10C). Is set).

  In the closed state, as shown in FIG. 10A, the two stoppers 71 are such that the gap between the tip portions 71b is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the upper surface of each stopper 71 is the tip from the base end portion 71a. A position (closed position) that is inclined downward toward the portion 71b is set (stopper 71 is closed). Thereby, the fall of the game ball from the game ball staying area 62 on the stopper 71 is prevented.

  In the open state, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the two stoppers 71 move the tip 71b downward from the closed state, and the gap between the tips 71b is a game ball. (The stopper 71 is opened). Thereby, the game balls in the game ball staying area 62 fall toward the stage 36 from the gap between the tip portions 71b.

  That is, the game ball that has been launched into the game area 31 and jumped into the game ball staying area 62 from the opening 64 rolls on the upper surface of the ceiling member 61 toward the stopper 71. When the stopper 71 is in the closed state, the game ball does not fall from the game ball staying area 62 and accumulates on the stopper 71. If the stopper 71 is changed from the closed state to the opened state (the rotation is moved from the closed position to the opened position by the stepping motor 72) while the game balls are accumulated in the game ball staying area 62, the stopper 71 opens and the tip The game balls sequentially drop onto the stage 36 from the gap between the parts 71b. Then, most of the game balls staying on the stage fall toward the specific winning opening 2. Accordingly, the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening 2 is increased. When a large number of game balls fall from the game ball retention area 62 onto the stage 36 within a short period of time, the game balls interfere with each other, and the behavior of the game balls staying on the stage 36 settles down. The speed of the falling game ball decreases. As described above, when the falling speed of the game ball from the stage 36 is slow, the game ball is likely to pass through the specific winning opening 2 as compared with the case where the falling speed is high.

  In the opened state, the stopper 71 is selectively set to one of a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area 62 is different. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the gap between the tip portions 71b is narrow (the opening of the stopper 71 is small), and the game ball is unlikely to fall, and FIG. 10 (c). As shown, the gap between the tip portions 71b is wide (the opening of the stopper 71 is large), and is selectively set to two open positions, a large open position at which the game ball easily falls. When the stopper 71 is set at the large open position, the number of game balls that can be dropped from the game ball staying area 62 per unit time increases, and the possibility that the game balls pass through the specific winning opening 2 tends to increase. Show. On the other hand, when the stopper 71 is set at the small opening position, the number of game balls that can be dropped per unit time is reduced, and there is a possibility that the game balls pass through the specific winning opening 2 as compared with the large opening position. Shows a tendency to lower.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a stopper control device 73, and a power supply device 21. , Launch control device 22, launch drive device 23, detection sensor 47, centralized management device 48, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the firing control device 22, and the firing drive device 23 are as described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted below. To do. Further, the main control device 13 and the stopper control device 73 constitute the control means of the present invention in this embodiment.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. A RAM (Random Access Memory: rewritable storage unit) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates periodic signals, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection. The sensor 47g is configured by a specific passing ball detection sensor 47h as a specific detection unit. Each of the detection sensors includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), a predetermined passing port 38, other winning ports 37, and a winning ball port. 20, provided in the vicinity of the ball passage 49a of the ball passage member 49 where the ball clogging is likely to occur and in the specific passage port 46, and detects whether or not a game ball passes at each place.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

  The stopper control device 73 controls the stopper device 70 (stepping motor 72) based on the detection of the game ball by the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h, and the stopper 71 is one of a closed position, a small open position, and a large open position. Set to. In the present embodiment, game ball detection information by the specific passing ball detection sensor 47 h is input to the stopper control device 73 via the main control device 13.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, the movable object control device 17, and the stopper control device 73.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activated state.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, preparation ball payout processing. , External information management processing, and output management processing.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, among the processes of the main routine process, a random number update process, an input detection reception process, an input management process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, and an output management process will be described in detail.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting. The random number in this embodiment is a random number generation program in which a random number generation range corresponding to each lottery game process is set (for example, the random number generation range for determination of success / failure is 0 to 699, the random number generation range for determining the variation pattern is 0 to 39, the random number generation range for display symbol determination is 0 to 11 etc.), and means a numerical value when the numerical value is updated by +1 within the random number generation range according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). . The random number update process is not limited to a software process by a control program stored in the ROM 13b of the main control device 13, but a random number update process based on a random number generation unit that is a physical device provided outside. This random number may be taken into the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 to perform a random number extraction control process.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception processing includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and error detection. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the sensor 47g and the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as counting management of the number of game balls and time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until the start of control processing based on the winning, such as abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, and normal symbol control processing described later , A process for making it possible to use the processing results as appropriate in performing the lamp management process, the prize ball payout process, and the stopper control process.

"Special symbol control process"
The special symbol control process performs an electronic winning / losing lottery (a jackpot lottery) in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, This is a process for making it easy for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state advantageous to the player (a big hit game state) is changed from the normal game state. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of the game ball in the specific winning opening 2 as an opportunity, and determines whether or not the lottery is based on a comparison of predetermined numerical values by random number extraction and the lottery result. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery) and a variable display according to the determination result of whether or not the variable display device 34 is used. Random number update processing generates a random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect and a random number for determining a special symbol for setting a stop display according to the determination result of the variable display device 34 in the same manner. To do. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the storage means as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the storage means.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing that has been classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, and the stored obtained random number for determining the variation pattern. Then, by comparing and comparing according to the success / failure information stored in the storage unit, the determination of the variation pattern is performed, and the variation pattern information (pattern number) to be used for hitting or losing is stored in the storage unit.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored random number for determining the special symbol with the stored determination information according to the variation pattern information to be used for hitting or losing. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left, middle and right special symbol numbers) for hitting or losing is stored in the storage means.

  Here, comparing and comparing according to a table having a numerical value for fluctuation pattern comparison or a special symbol comparison numerical value and an acquired random number corresponding thereto, This is the process of finding a match by determining the match of the combination with the acquired random number corresponding to, and if it is not, determining the match of the combination of the comparison numerical value for removal and the corresponding acquired random number. . Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

  In addition, at the time of acquisition of the random number by the random number generating means, it is said that “the determination of success / failure is made on the condition that the advance control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control is not performed”, but the trigger condition is arbitrarily set The design can be changed.

By the special symbol control process described so far, the following information is generated as the processing information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  Therefore, whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player is determined by, for example, a lottery game process for determination of success / failure, and “special use” associated with 0 to 697 “exclusion numbers” for normal use. In the random number update process, a “number” and a “random number generation range” consisting of a total of 700 including the “number for special feature” associated as a more useful hit than the normal use are set to correspond to each other, The numerical value updated at the timing according to the winning time of the game ball to the specific winning opening 2 described above is read and acquired as a random number, and whether or not the acquired random number is “special numerical value” or “special numerical value” is determined. Determined by the results. That is, when the winning determination is a 1/350 lottery probability triggered by the winning, the condition for shifting is satisfied.

  In addition, when the combination of the special symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right special symbols are of the same type) is used for the stop and display mode to shift to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, one step before that The undecided display is referred to as a so-called reach effect. The contents of various other notification effects including such reach effect are as follows: (a) the result of the hit / decision determination, and (b) the aforementioned It is determined based on the obtained random number for determining the variation pattern and the special symbol for reading out according to the winning timing of the game ball with respect to the specific winning opening 2. In other words, the variable display device 34 via the symbol control device 14a can perform variable display at random.

  In the case where a preceding control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of a random number by the random number generating means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special figure control as the read result or the processing information for executing the display mode in the storage unit and notify the storage, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is stored every time the random number is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) is generated.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. In accordance with this timing, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  In this embodiment, when the acquired random number or processing information is stored in the storage means, an upper limit number (for example, 5) of the acquired random number or processing information to be stored is determined in advance, and the prior control processing is performed. When the total storage number including the storage of the acquired random number or processing information is the upper limit, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores it as an invalid condition even if the condition for generating the acquired random number or processing information is satisfied No special symbol control is performed. In other words, when the passing of a game ball to the specific winning opening 2 is detected while the variable display device 34 is informing the result of the jackpot lottery, the execution of the jackpot lottery by this detection is currently notified. Hold up to the maximum number including lottery results. For example, when the upper limit number is 5, the upper limit of the number of executions of the jackpot lottery (holding lottery number) held until the notification of the result of the jackpot lottery is completed is four.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the opened state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has been tested, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. A predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 times) has been achieved. Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number may be “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table with a high probability of winning, and then the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When a condition determined to be a winning related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

  Further, as another embodiment in the privilege gaming state, when a table in which a variation display time related to one variation pattern is set with a shorter variation pattern compared to that in the normal gaming state is provided, and it is determined that it is a hit by a special random number The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 changes the reference table to the table, until the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning opening 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times), or special If a condition determined to be a win related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change may be generated. That is, in the present invention, the form of the privilege gaming state is not concerned.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning opening 2 are enlarged to expand the opening range, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning opening 2 . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of the identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. Is a basic routine for repeatedly executing control execution processing including read update, write storage, or deletion of the memory in accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency derivation circuit unit. That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is being received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, an operation related to the special symbol control of the symbol control device 14a when the processing information is received will be described.

"Operation of the design controller"
A number of special patterns for winning or losing that the processing information makes a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for special symbol control and a temporary stop display (including fine movement display) for a predetermined variable display area When it is a symbol number (for example, left, middle and right), the symbol control device 14a classifies and stores in advance a notification effect classification table based on whether or not it is in a normal gaming state for special symbol control. Then, by collating and comparing the fluctuation pattern numbers, a notification effect classification table for winning or losing is determined.

  Then, the symbol control device 14a reads out from the random number generating means for updating the effect selection random number provided in the symbol control device 14a based on the determined notification effect classification table in response to the reception of the variation pattern number. The notification effect data for winning or the notification effect data for losing is set by comparison with the acquired random number stored in the storage means.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a is configured so that a special symbol classification table for a normal gaming state in which a plurality of types of special symbols for performing a stop display on a predetermined variable display area are programmed, and the plurality of special symbol numbers individually. By the comparison by collation, each of a plurality of special symbol data for stopping or losing the stop display on the variable display device 34 is set. Note that the special symbol for stop display stored in the special symbol classification table may include a temporary stop. Thereafter, the symbol control device 14a performs display control of variable display and stop display according to the set notification effect data and a plurality of special symbol data in the variable display device 34 via the VDP 50.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a relates to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and a plurality of special symbol numbers. A stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment) for a plurality of special symbols for which display control of variable display has been performed in accordance with a fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of processing execution time Aspect) is performed.

  Further, when the jackpot transition instruction number is received at the time of receiving the fixed stop instruction number, the symbol control device 14a sets the game effect notification effect data advantageous to the player, and the stop display mode After that, display control for jackpot. When the received information is information in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state that is advantageous to a player for special symbol control, the symbol control device 14a may perform the notification effect classification table or the special symbol related to the special symbol control. The reference table is changed to the symbol classification table, and notification effect data for hit or miss for variable display and stop display performed in the advantageous game state or privilege game state, and a plurality of special symbol data for hit or miss Set.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable door driving device in the movable object control device 17 will be described.

"Operation of movable door drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable door drive device is a solenoid provided in the movable door drive device in response to generating a jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. And the said movable door drive device operates the movable door 45 closed with respect to the said special winning opening 3, and makes it an open state, and predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) passes since it becomes an opening, or If any condition for winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is awarded to the special winning opening 3, a command for instructing execution processing to be closed again is generated.

  Further, on the condition that any of the game balls won during the opening state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3 and is detected by the winning specific area detecting sensor 47c, The movable door driving device causes the movable door 45 to be closed again and repeats opening and closing the movable door 45 when the same condition as described above is satisfied until a predetermined upper limit is reached. A command for instructing application of a predetermined voltage is generated.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the movable door driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

[Operation of stopper control device]
Next, stopper control processing by the stopper control device 73 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  This process is started when the power supply device 21 is turned on and the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 completes the initial setting, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h has detected a game ball launched in the game area 31. Specifically, it is determined whether or not input information (detection information) from a specific passing ball detection sensor 47 h provided in the vicinity of the specific passing port 46 is input via the main control device 13. If it is determined that the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h has detected a game ball, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the stopper 71 is in the closed state (whether or not the stopper 71 is in the closed position). If the stopper 71 is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S13. When the stopper 71 is not in the closed state (when it is already set in the open state), the process returns to step S11.

  In step S13, an electronic lottery is performed to determine the opening time and opening position of the stopper 71, and the process proceeds to step S14. The opening time is set as a choice of five time periods of 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, and 5 seconds, and one time is randomly selected by lottery. In addition, as the opening position, two stages of opening positions, a small opening position and a large opening position, are set as options, and one of the opening positions is randomly selected by lottery.

  In step S14, the stepping motor 62 is controlled to change the stopper 71 from the closed position to the open position determined in step S13, and then the process proceeds to step S15. For example, when the small opening position is selected, the stopper 71 is set in the state shown in FIG. 10B, and when the large opening position is selected, the stopper 71 is in the state shown in FIG. Set to

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the opening time determined in step S13 has elapsed. If it has not yet elapsed, the process returns to step S14 to keep the stopper 71 open, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the stepping motor 62 is controlled to return the stopper 71 to the closed position, and then the process returns to step S11.

  According to the present embodiment, in a state where the stopper 71 is set at the closed position, the falling of the game ball from the game ball staying area 62 is prevented, so that the game ball 31 is launched into the game area 31 and reaches the game ball staying area 62. The played game balls are accumulated in the game ball retention area 62 as they are. In this state, when the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h detects the game ball, the stopper 71 is changed from the closed position to the open position, the stopper 71 is opened, and the game ball falls from the game ball retention area 62 onto the stage 36. Stay. Many of the game balls staying on the stage 36 fall toward the specific winning opening 2. Accordingly, the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening 2 is increased. Further, when a large number of game balls fall from the game ball retention area 62 onto the stage 36 within a short time, the game balls interfere with each other, and the behavior of the game balls staying on the stage 36 settles down. The speed of the falling game ball decreases. As described above, when the falling speed of the game ball from the stage 36 is slow, the game ball is likely to pass through the specific winning opening 2 as compared with the case where the falling speed is high.

  Therefore, even if the situation where the game ball does not pass through the specific winning opening 2 and the big win lottery is not continuously executed continues, there is a possibility that the gaming ball passes through the specific winning opening 2 by opening the stopper 71. Accordingly, it becomes easy to execute the jackpot lottery accordingly, so that the player's interest can be prevented from being lost.

  In addition, when a situation occurs in which the game ball does not pass through the specific winning opening 2 and the jackpot lottery is not continuously executed, the player strikes the specific pass port 46 and plays the game balls by the specific pass ball detection sensor 47h. The detection can be generated to change the stopper 71 from the closed state to the open state, so that a state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific winning opening 2 can be positively generated. In other words, the player can aim at the game ball retention area 62 and retain a desired number of game balls, and then aim at the specific passage 46 to drop the retained game ball, so that the big hit lottery It is possible to more accurately prevent the player's interest from being lost due to not being continuously executed.

  In addition, the opening time and the opening position of the stopper 71 are randomly set according to the lottery result. Here, a larger number of game balls are allowed to fall when the open time is shorter than when the release time is short, and the possibility that the game balls pass through the specific winning opening 2 is increased. In addition, the large open position allows a larger number of game balls to be dropped per unit time than the small open position, and the possibility that the game balls pass through the specific winning opening 2 increases. That is, since the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening 2 changes according to the result of the lottery, the player can enjoy a more varied gaming state.

  Further, since the variable display device 34 is disposed above the stage 36 and the game ball staying area 62 is disposed close to the upper portion of the variable display device 34, the player is gazing at the variable display device 34. The number of game balls staying in the game ball staying area 62, the behavior of the stopper 71, the behavior of the game ball falling from the game ball staying area 62, and the like can be visually confirmed.

[Other Embodiments]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  This embodiment is provided with an input button 74 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) for receiving an input operation from a player instead of the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h of the first embodiment. 73 changes the stopper 71 from the closed state to the open state when the input button 74 is pressed. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  The input button 74 is disposed at a place where the player who is playing the game can easily operate (for example, the door 8 with a ball tray). Each time the input button 74 is pressed, it generates input detection information and outputs the input detection information to the stopper control device 73.

  The stopper control process according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The stopper control process of this embodiment is provided with the process of step S21 instead of the process of step S11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the processes of steps S22 to S26 of this embodiment are the first. Since it is common with the process of step S12-S16 of 1 embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When this process is started and the process proceeds to step S21, the stopper control device 73 determines whether or not the input button 74 has been pressed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not input detection information is input from the input button 74. If it is determined that the input button 74 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S22.

  Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the stopper 71 is in a closed state (step S22). When the stopper 71 is in a closed state, an electronic lottery is performed to determine an opening time and an opening position of the stopper 71. (Step S23), the stopper 71 is changed from the closed position to the determined open position (Step S24), and the stopper 71 is kept open until the determined open time elapses (Step S25). Is returned to the closed position (step S26).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the player wants to drop the game ball from the game ball staying area 62, the player can freely open the stopper 71 and press the input button 74 to freely open the game ball staying area 62. A game ball can be dropped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost due to the fact that the jackpot lottery is not continuously executed.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the opening time and the opening position of the stopper 71 are set at random according to the result of the lottery, and the possibility that the game ball passes the specific winning opening 2 is the result of the lottery. Since it changes accordingly, the player can enjoy a more varied gaming state.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the stopper control device 73 changes the stopper 71 from the closed state to the open state when the big hit lottery is not executed for a predetermined time. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  The main control device 13 generates lottery execution information every time a big hit lottery is performed, and outputs the lottery execution information to the stopper control device 73. The stopper control device 73 has a timer that starts measuring time when receiving lottery execution information from the main control device 13 and resets and restarts upon receiving next lottery execution information.

  The stopper control process according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The stopper control process of the present embodiment is provided with processes of steps S31 and S32 instead of the process of step S11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the processes of steps S33 to S37 of the present embodiment. Is common to the processing of steps S12 to S16 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When this process is started and the process proceeds to step S31, the stopper control device 73 determines whether or not the ball launching handle 10 is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more. When the ball launching handle 10 has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, there is a high possibility that the game is not in progress, so the subsequent processing is not executed. On the other hand, when the ball launching handle 10 has been operating for a predetermined time or longer, there is a high possibility that the game is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the big hit lottery has been executed for a predetermined time. Specifically, when the time measured by the timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the big hit lottery has not been executed for the predetermined time, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the stopper 71 is in a closed state (step S33). When the stopper 71 is in a closed state, an electronic lottery is performed to determine an opening time and an opening position of the stopper 71. (Step S34), the stopper 71 is changed from the closed position to the determined open position (Step S35), and the stopper 71 is kept open until the determined open time elapses (Step S36). Is returned to the closed position (step S37). In step S37, the timer is reset.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the big hit lottery is not executed for a predetermined time, the stopper 71 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening 2 increases accordingly. A lottery is easily executed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the player's interest from being lost due to the fact that the jackpot lottery is not continuously executed.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the opening time and the opening position of the stopper 71 are set at random according to the result of the lottery, and the possibility that the game ball passes the specific winning opening 2 is the result of the lottery. Since it changes accordingly, the player can enjoy a more varied gaming state.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the stopper control device 73 changes the stopper 71 from the closed state to the open state when the reach effect is not executed for a predetermined time. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  The main control device 13 generates reach effect execution information every time it generates processing information that instructs execution of reach effect, and outputs the reach effect execution information to the stopper control device 73. The stopper control device 73 has a timer that starts measuring time when receiving the input of the reach effect execution information from the main control device 13, and resets and restarts upon receiving the input of the next reach effect execution information.

  The stopper control process according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The stopper control process of the present embodiment is provided with processes of steps S41 and S42 instead of the process of step S11 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and the processes of steps S43 to S47 of the present embodiment. Is common to the processing of steps S12 to S16 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When this process is started and the process proceeds to step S41, the stopper control device 73 determines whether or not the ball launching handle 10 is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more. When the ball launching handle 10 has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, there is a high possibility that the game is not in progress, so the subsequent processing is not executed. On the contrary, when the ball launching handle 10 is continuously operated for a predetermined time or more, there is a high possibility that the game is in progress, and the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S42, it is determined whether a reach effect has not been executed for a predetermined time. Specifically, when the time measured by the timer is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, it is determined that the reach effect has not been executed for the predetermined time, and the process proceeds to step S43.

  Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the stopper 71 is in a closed state (step S43). If the stopper 71 is in a closed state, an electronic lottery is performed to determine an opening time and an opening position of the stopper 71. (Step S44), the stopper 71 is changed from the closed position to the determined open position (Step S45), and the stopper 71 is kept open until the determined open time elapses (Step S46). Is returned to the closed position (step S47). In step S47, the timer is reset.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reach effect is not executed for a predetermined time, the stopper 71 is changed from the closed state to the open state, and the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening 2 increases accordingly. A lottery is easily executed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the player's interest from being lost due to the fact that the reach effect is never executed during the big win lottery.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the opening time and the opening position of the stopper 71 are set at random according to the result of the lottery, and the possibility that the game ball passes the specific winning opening 2 is the result of the lottery. Since it changes accordingly, the player can enjoy a more varied gaming state.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the opening time and the opening position of the stopper 71 are determined based on the number of reserved lotteries for the big hit lottery. Note that the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment is omitted.

  The main control device 13 generates pending lottery number information representing the updated pending lottery number each time the number of pending jackpot lottery executions (the number of pending lotteries) is updated, and stops the retained lottery number information as a stopper. Output to the control device 73.

  The stopper control process according to the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The stopper control process of the present embodiment is provided with a process of step S53 instead of the process of step S13 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and steps S51, S52, and S54 of this embodiment are provided. Since the process of S56 is common to the processes of steps S11, S12, and S14 to S16 of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  When this process is started, the stopper control device 73 determines whether or not the specific passing ball detection sensor 47h has detected a game ball (step S51), and determines whether or not the stopper 71 is in a closed state. It judges (step S52), and when it is in the closed state, it proceeds to step S53.

  In step S53, the opening time and opening position of the stopper 71 are determined according to the current number of reserved lotteries input from the main control device 13. For example, when the upper limit of the number of reserved lottery is 5, when the number of reserved lottery is as small as 0 to 2, there is room for the upper limit of the number of reserved lottery, so a long open time (for example, 3 seconds) And a large open position. Thereby, possibility that a game ball will pass the specific winning opening 2 increases, and the player can bring the number of reserved lotteries close to the upper limit. On the other hand, when the number of reserved lotteries is as large as 3 to 5, there is no room for the upper limit of the number of reserved lotteries, so the small open position is determined with a short opening time (for example, 1 second). Thereby, the possibility that the game balls pass through the specific winning opening 2 is not increased more than necessary, and it is possible to prevent a large number of game balls from passing through the specific winning opening 2 after exceeding the upper limit of the number of reserved lotteries. When the number of lotteries to be held has already reached the upper limit (five), it is impossible to hold more than this, so the stopper 71 may be kept closed.

  Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the stopper 71 is changed from the closed position to the determined open position (step S54), and the stopper 71 is kept open until the determined open time elapses (step S55). After the elapse, the stopper 71 is returned to the closed position (step S56).

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the opening time and opening degree of the stopper 71 are increased / decreased according to the number of holding lotteries, the player can obtain a more suitable gaming state.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a game ball staying area 68 and a stopper device 80 are provided at two locations on the left and right sides of the variable display device 34, respectively. In addition, about the structure which is common in 1st-5th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the central structure 60 of the present embodiment has a game ball retention region 68 between the left and right vertical walls 66 and the inner surfaces of the vertical walls 66 that are opposed to each other. Left and right partition plates 67 for partitioning. Each game ball retention area 68 is set to have a slightly wider width than the game balls so that the game balls are lined up one by one and overlap each other. Each game ball staying area 68 is opened up and down, the upper opening allows movement of the game ball falling from above to the game ball staying area 68, and the lower opening is staged from the game ball staying area 68. The game ball is allowed to drop to 36. The opening below the game ball staying area 68 is arranged close to the stage 36, and the game ball that has dropped from the game ball staying area 68 immediately rolls on the stage 36 and moves.

  Each stopper device 80 has a pin-shaped stopper 81 and a stopper driving means (for example, solenoid) (not shown), and each stopper 81 is disposed at the lowermost part of each game ball staying area 69. Each stopper 81 is fixed to a movable portion (for example, a movable iron core of a solenoid) of a stopper driving means (not shown) disposed on the back side of the game board 7 through the game board 7. Due to this stopper driving means, the stopper 81 protrudes largely on the surface of the game board 7 to prevent the game ball from falling from the game ball staying area 69, and the stopper 81 does not protrude from the surface of the game board 7 or its The protrusion amount is small and is selectively set to an open state that allows the game ball to fall from the game ball staying area 69.

  The stopper control device 73 controls the stopper device 80 to set the stopper 81 in a closed state or an open state.

  In the present embodiment, the opening below the game ball staying area 68 is arranged close to the stage 36, and the game ball that has dropped from the game ball staying area 68 immediately rolls and moves on the stage 36. The behavior of the staying game ball is more calm. Accordingly, the speed of the game ball falling from the stage 36 is reduced, and the game ball is more likely to pass through the specific winning opening 2.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the description and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a front perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a front view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is principal part side sectional drawing of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a principal part front view which shows the state of a stopper, (a) has shown the closed state, (b) has shown the open state of the small open position, (c) has shown the open state of the large open position, respectively. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the stopper control apparatus 73 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the stopper control apparatus 73 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the stopper control apparatus 73 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the stopper control apparatus 73 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the stopper control apparatus 73 which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Special winning opening, 7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device (control means), 13a ... CPU, 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub-control device, 31 ... Game area, 34 ... Variable display device ( (Display unit), 36 ... stage, 46 ... specific passing port, 47b ... specific winning ball detection sensor, 47h ... specific passing ball detection sensor (specific detection unit), 62 ... gaming ball retention area, 68 ... gaming ball retention area, 70 ... Stopper device, 71 ... Stopper, 73 ... Stopper control device (control means), 74 ... Input button (operation input unit), 80 ... Stopper device, 81 ... Stopper

Claims (12)

A ball game machine in which game balls are launched into the game area of the game board,
A specific winning opening provided in the game area;
A stage that is provided above the specific winning opening in the game area and allows a temporary stay of game balls;
A game ball retention area that is partitioned above the stage of the game area and allows retention of a ball game ball;
A stopper provided at a lower portion of the game ball staying area and settable between a closed state for preventing the game ball from dropping from the game ball staying area and an open state for allowing the game ball to fall from the game ball staying area. When,
Control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not a game state advantageous to the player is generated in response to the passing of the game ball to the specific winning opening, and setting the stopper to the closed state or the open state; ,
A ball game machine characterized by comprising: The ball game machine according to claim 1,
Provided in the game area, further comprising a specific detection unit for detecting the passage or contact of the game ball,
The said control means changes the said stopper from the said closed state to the said open state according to the detection of the contact or passage of the game ball by the said specific detection part, The bullet ball game machine characterized by the above-mentioned. A ball game machine according to claim 2,
The control means executes a lottery regarding the stopper in accordance with the passage or contact of the game ball by the specific detection unit, and determines a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state based on a result of the lottery. Characteristic ball game machine. A ball game machine according to claim 2,
The stopper in the open state can be freely set at a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area is different,
The control means executes a lottery regarding the stopper according to the passage or contact of the game ball by the specific detection unit, and based on a result of the lottery, a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state or in the open state A ball game machine characterized in that at least one of the positions of the stopper is determined. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
It further includes an operation input unit that receives an input operation from a player,
The ball game machine characterized in that the control means changes the stopper from the closed state to the open state in response to an input operation from the player to the operation input unit. The ball game machine according to claim 5,
The control means executes a lottery regarding the stopper in accordance with an input operation from the player to the operation input unit, and determines a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state based on a result of the lottery. Characteristic ball game machine. The ball game machine according to claim 5,
The stopper in the open state can be freely set at a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area is different,
The control means executes a lottery regarding the stopper according to an input operation from the player to the operation input unit, and based on a result of the lottery, a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state or in the open state A ball game machine characterized in that at least one of the positions of the stopper is determined. A ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The control means changes the stopper from the closed state to the open state when the lottery for determining whether or not the advantageous game state occurs is not executed for a predetermined time. A bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The control means determines whether or not a reach effect for informing that the advantageous gaming state may occur is determined based on the lottery result of whether or not the advantageous gaming state is generated. And when the lottery for determining whether or not the advantageous gaming state occurs without being notified of the reach effect is executed a predetermined number of times, the stopper is changed from the closed state to the open state. A ball game machine characterized by changing. A ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The control means suspends execution of a lottery up to a predetermined number of times in response to detection of the passage of a game ball to the specific winning opening in the middle of notifying the lottery result whether or not the advantageous gaming state is caused. A ball game machine characterized by determining a time for maintaining the stopper in the open state based on the number of lottery executions held. A ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The stopper in the open state can be freely set at a plurality of positions where the difficulty of dropping the game ball from the game ball staying area is different,
The control means suspends execution of the lottery according to detection of the passage of the game ball to the specific winning opening during execution of the lottery whether or not the advantageous gaming state is caused, up to a predetermined number of times, A ball game machine characterized in that at least one of a time for maintaining the stopper in the opened state and a position of the stopper in the opened state is determined based on the number of lottery executions held. A bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A display unit provided above the stage in the gaming area, and notifying the result of the lottery whether or not the advantageous gaming state occurs;
2. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game ball staying area is disposed in proximity to the display unit.

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